Solar energy may be the most important alternative power source that is easily available to the individual consumer. There is a lot of debate about solar energy being a solution for the world's energy problems. But wouldn't it be wise to know if there are any dangers or hidden negative issues before starting a massive project?
First - Price
It's incredibly important to look into the cost of the solar energy system that you would like to add to your home. On average a 4k system or a solar panel system that can produce 4000 watts day will cost about $25,000 dollars. Prices vary from county to county so it's important to talk to several contractors before you sign anything.
You also want to know if your state or local power station will can assist with the cost with rebates or incentives. If you are planning to make homemade solar panels then check with your power company to make sure they can be tested and certified to meet their requirements. Otherwise you will not be able to connect them to the grid. If you are not planning on tying to the grid, say for a cabin or RV system then you are not bound by restrictions, but will not be able to apply for any rebates.
Second - New Technology
If you read the news about solar energy research, you will be amazed at the number of companies that are developing new products and systems. Solar energy research is a worldwide growth industry, with new discoveries being made every month. There is a real temptation to hold off on your solar energy project so you can use the latest technology. But not every experimental product with market potential actually makes it to the consumer. Solar panels are no different than any other new product in the process of research and development. Sometimes the best ideas just don't work out as planned, or are just too expensive to produce. So it's always a bit of a gamble to wait too long for advances in new technology. You could be unnecessarily wasting several months or years of using your solar energy system.
Third - Outdated Technology
Are you afraid of buying your solar energy system right before the next new product breakthrough? This dilemma is the other side of the coin from waiting too long for a breakthrough. The fear is that a cost effective and better technology is right around the corner, but you just spent thousands on outdated technology. You can do a lot to prevent this scenario by doing a little research on the internet or the library. There are professional business journals that have the latest news on industrial R and D (research and development), and forecast when new products will reach the consumer market. But many of these journals cost several hundreds or thousands of dollars for a yearly subscription, so only libraries can afford them. If your library doesn't subscribe, ask your librarian to get it for you. Then you'll need to decide whether you want to wait for the newest product, or go with a traditional energy system that might be more reliable and predictable because it has withstood the test of time.
Go Earth Energy supports the DIY energy movement. Many people are looking to make solar panels and build windmill energy systems to overcome the rising cost of traditional grid power. Visit our site today and get a free E-Report on "Home Energy Efficiency and Savings."
Visit Go Earth Energy at http://www.goearthenergy.com
or check out our DIY reviews for home energy enthusiasts http://www.goearthenergy.com/diy-energy-reviews/GreenDIYEnergy-Review.php
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
